The Thirst In Me

Forty-Six

"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."- Proverbs 17:6

Keisha's POV

August 21, 1841

Dear Malik,

The doctor has confirmed that I didn't pick up any virus. He says there is a possibility that I might be pregnant. Mother and father are very disappointed in me and very angry at you. They have already written to your parents trying to force us to marry. They say I'm bringing shame and disgrace on the family. I hope you will agree to be my husband. I know we are both only twenty-one years of age but what choice do we have? I hope your parents will accept me.
Love always
Sophia.

I read the letter then folded it carefully and placed it back on the pile. The more letters I read, the more I positively view Malik. He had a girl who loved him and got pregnant for him. Did she lose the baby? Did they stay married for a long time? I have so many unanswered questions and theories but I'll get back to the letters once I've finished my chores for the day.

As I was sweeping the downstairs hallway I heard sobbing. I followed the direction that the sobbing was coming from and found Kaitlyn sitting on the floor.

"Kaitlyn?" I asked before moving closer to her. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head as she cried silently, her shoulders moving up and down. "It's David." She choked out.

"What about David?" I asked as I knelt in front of her. "He hasn't come home as yet?"

She shook her head. "He has been d-drafted."

"Drafted? By who?"

"By Malik." She said between sobs. "He has been drafted for December 10 and I didn't even get to say goodbye."

"What is going to happen on December 10?" I asked.

Kaitlyn looked up at me. "It doesn't matter." She sobbed. "I won't see David again and Malik is gone for a week so I can't try to change his mind about this."

"Wait here," I told her as I went to my room to get her birthday present that David had told me to hide.

"David wanted you to have this," I told her when I got back. She dried her eyes and took it from me. She opened the card that was attached to the gift and read it quickly.

"When did he give this to you?" She asked.

"The day before your birthday."

Kaitlyn smiled at me. "Thank you, Keisha. I have to go." She said and within the blink of an eye, she was nowhere to be found.

I need to find out what is going to happen on December 10. Malik asked me to make Veron fall in love before that same date. Is Veron connected with David being drafted?

"Good morning beautiful." Veron took the broom from my hand. "Will you please make me happy by going on a date with me today.....to make up for what I did?"

I sighed. "I can't, Veron. I have things to do."

"What things?" He questioned.

"Well, I have the house to clean and the dishes to wash," I told him and he smirked at me.

"Challenge accepted." He said and then he was gone.

A few minutes later he was back in front of me giving me the broom.

He dusted his hands. "There. All finished."

He did all my chores in less than five minutes!

He held my chin in his hand. "Get dressed baby girl. I'm taking you out." He kissed me on the lips. "Don't keep me waiting too long."

If I said I wasn't excited I would be lying. I just hope this date doesn't play out like the last one. I really don't want to be kidnapped again.

I hurriedly took a shower using my best-smelling body wash. I wanted everything to be perfect. This is the first time I'm leaving the house in the daytime.

I wonder if my Mom had any advice to give me. I wish I could just go and ask her. Why can't I? Malik isn't here so it shouldn't be a problem.

I put on my bathroom robe and walked quickly to the room my mother was staying in. I knocked twice before she opened the door. Her eyes darted around the empty hallway behind me before she hastily pulled me into the room and locked the door behind me.

"What are you doing here?" She asked in a hushed voice. "Didn't you get my message? We have to be careful."

"Malik isn't here, that's why I came," I whispered back.

She pulled me into a hug.
"I've missed you so much. It won't be long now. My plan is coming along perfectly." She was still whispering although we were alone.

"What is the plan?" I questioned.

She sighed. "I can't tell you until it's ready darling." She told me. "Now get back to what you were doing. I told you we need to be careful."

I left my mother's room feeling more confused than ever.

When I pushed my door open, Veron was sitting on my bed. He was wearing a tight-fitting shirt and a pair of ripped jeans.

"That's what you're wearing?" He said when he saw me. "No way. Please change it into something less revealing. I don't want every guy at the movie theatre looking at my girlfriend."

I giggled. "This is my bathrobe silly! Please get out so I can change."

He left and I took out a pair of skinny jeans and a teal, long-sleeved blouse that showed a little bit of my cleavage. My wavy hair bounced on my shoulders making me look way more mature than I actually was. I loved the way I looked.

"I'm ready," I announced and Veron stared at my chest.

"OK. Let's get ready...I mean let's get going." He said as he led us toward his car.

"This is going to be a long day." He grumbled under his breath and I blushed, knowing the effect I had on him.